4th & Elm Team
The staff and leadership here at 4th & Elm is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. If you have any questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them. You can contact the church office at office@4thandelm.org.
Staff
Darrell Chappell
PREACHING minister
Darrell Chappell transitioned from the youth minister to the preaching minister on July 19, 2026. Darrell and his wife, Shayla are both graduates of Sweetwater High School, and although Sweetwater has always held a special place in their hearts, God has spent the last two decades preparing them for this opportunity through ministry that has taken them from West Texas to Falkirk, Scotland, and back again. Throughout those years, Darrell has served as a youth minister, associate minister, outreach minister, missionary, and preaching minister. He holds bachelor's degrees in Bible and Sociology and has pursued graduate studies in Global Ministry. Each opportunity has helped shape his love for preaching God's Word, shepherding people, and sharing the gospel. Yet more important than any position held or degree earned is his desire to faithfully serve Christ and His church. Darrell and Shayla are grateful for the opportunity to labor alongside the 4th & Elm church family as together we seek to glorify God, encourage one another, and reach our community with the hope found in Jesus Christ. God has richly blessed their family with four grown children and three precious grandchildren, and they look forward to building many more relationships within this church family. May He grant wisdom, unity, and fruitfulness as we labor together in His kingdom. “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
Melanie Gibson
associate Minister
Melanie grew up in Snyder, TX and then attended Abilene Christian University, getting a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in public schools for 8 years as a classroom teacher, music teacher, and reading interventionist. During those years, she served alongside her husband Blair in youth ministry in both Marble Falls and Sweetwater. In 2009, she completed her Masters from Abilene Christian University in Educational Leadership. In 2010, she began the journey as the 4th and Elm Children's Minister. She is married to Blair Gibson and has two kids, Brody & Mallory. Melanie enjoys spending time with her family, being at the lake house, and coaching/watching her kids play sports.
Stephanie Baker
Cornerstone Director
Stephanie was raised in a preacher’s family, serving in small towns across Texas. She graduated from Utopia High School in 1990 and attended Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee where she earned a B.A. in Education with a minor in Communications. She moved to Sweetwater in 1994 to teach Kindergarten at Southeast Elementary where she stayed for seven years. She taught Pre-k at Children’s Day Out for six years before becoming the founder and director of Cornerstone Christian School in 2007. She earned her Master’s degree in 2016 from Howard Payne University in Educational Leadership and is a Texas certified principal. She is married to Martin Baker and has three children, Tristan, Hayden, and Kennedy. Stephanie has a passion for early childhood and watching children grow. She enjoys loving people and living life with her family.
Robin THompson
Administrative ASsistant
Robin grew up in San Antonio before attending Abilene Christian University where she received a B.A. This is the third congregation Robin has worked for; prior to moving to Sweetwater, she attended and worked at Southeast Church of Christ in Friendswood, and Northside Church of Christ in San Antonio. Robin has three daughters. When she's not at the church, Robin enjoys reading, spending time with her family and traveling.
KATHY RAINEY
BOOKKEEPER
Kathy brings order out of chaos for our team and congregation. She grew up attending 4th and Elm with her family. Kathy holds degrees from Abilene Christian University and Lubbock Christian University. She is happily married to Ronnie and has two grown children, Mariann and Jacob.
